No need to decide, because you can get both at once with qigong (CHEE-gong), the gentlest form of martial arts. In the past, I’ve watched a small group of men and women leave our local YMCA’s Qigong session with serene smiles on their faces. One woman explained to me that it was an Eastern practice like yoga or tai chi. Sadly, back then I didn’t have time to squeeze another class into my busy life. This year, qigong was scheduled after my Zumba Gold class, so I decided to give it a try. Chatting with participants before class, I learned that they loved qigong and never missed. Hmmm… I’d broug ..read more

Everyone has heard that we all need exercise to prevent serious illnesses like heart disease and stroke. But even with the best of intentions it’s not easy to carve out the time for it. What if there was a different approach to staying healthy and strong than striving (and often failing) to get those recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times per week? “Your body adapts to what you do most frequently, not what you do with the best of intentions.” – Katy Bowman, founder of Nutritious Movement® Movement ecologist and biomechanist Katy Bowman makes the bold statement that we need t ..read more

In a world where health and technology seamlessly intertwine, the wearable revolution has taken center stage, offering us an unprecedented opportunity to take control of our well-being. Among the various fitness trackers available for seniors, Fitbits stand out as a pioneer, bridging the gap between technology and healthy living. Here are our top Fitbits: Fitbit LUXE Tracker – As the majority of our Sixty & Me readers are women, we decided to add this feminine Fitbit Tracker to our list. Google Pixel Watch 2 – The exclusively Android smartwatch packed with great features. Fitbit Sense 2 ..read more

Exercise. Walking. Water Aerobics. Yoga. Good nutrition. Getting enough sleep. Managing stress. Hydration. All of these are important. The #1 concept that holds them all together is balance. In my work with adults aged 55–85, I’ve learned that to stay fit and active as we age, we need to focus on balance in three areas: Balanced joint alignment, Balance while we’re in motion, Balanced lifestyle. Let’s cover some simple, practical tips to maintain balance in all three areas. Balance Your Joints Some people believe that arthritis, joint pain, and stooped posture are unavoidable, non-negotiabl ..read more

Do you feel cheerful when you notice the signs of spring? Are you enjoying the sight of daffodils, tulips and cherry blossom trees? Do you feel more optimistic with the onset of longer days and milder weather? I don’t know anyone who doesn’t feel happier when they see spring flowers blooming and feel the sun warming their skin. If you’re anything like me, you’re relieved to put your winter coats and boots away. Spring is the perfect time to get outside for walks, gardening and outdoor activities. It is also the perfect time to focus on our balance. As winter comes to an end and we move toward ..read more

If you’ve made the decision to bring more movement into your life, congratulations! That commitment to yourself is the first step. And it’s a big one. Now it’s time to find the right workout. You’ll want to try something that isn’t too intimidating or hard on your body while you adjust to your new routine. A low-impact workout can be a smart choice for beginners. A mind-body movement system like Pilates can build strength and minimize your risk of injury when you’re just getting started. Benefits of Low-Impact Workouts A low-impact workout is anything that doesn’t include jumping, running, or ..read more

As the temperatures start to climb, more and more people head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and get some exercise. One of the most popular activities among older adults is hiking. Not only does hiking get you out of the house, when done regularly it helps reduce arthritis, eases joint and knee pain, boosts bone density, and improves cardiovascular health. Some studies have also shown that hiking can also decrease depression, isolation, and loneliness. Follow these tips to get the most out of the good weather. Build Endurance While not all hikes are long, uphill struggles, if the most exercis ..read more

We all know the truth. We’ve heard it hundreds of times: some form of daily or almost daily exercise after 60 will keep both your body and your mind happy. Yet getting into that routine can be challenging. Do you set exercise goals on January 1, filled with great intent and then quit on January 10? Here are some tips that may motivate you to keep going and develop an exercise routine for life. Set Realistic Goals When It Comes to Exercise After 60 You want exercise to become a habit. You don’t need to do two hours a day to feel the benefits. If you haven’t exercised in a while, it’s unreasona ..read more

Throughout our lives we participate in various health/medical screenings to see if we have, or are at risk for developing, certain health conditions or diseases. We participate in screenings for our blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol values, body weight and composition, eyesight, posture, etc. As we age, there seems to be an increasing number of recommended screenings such a colonoscopy or mammogram, to name but a few. These screenings not only identify risk for or the presence of disease but increase our own relevant awareness of our state of wellness. More importantly, important he ..read more

The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and the buds are beginning to bloom. Getting outside for a walk or a hike should be high on your to-do list! Getting outside for regular walks can help you to reduce your risk of heart disease, lower your blood pressure, improve your mood and mental health, and can be a great time to get out with friends or enjoy some quiet time yourself. When the sun is shining, I enjoy getting outside with my rescue dog Smokey. To make the most out of your walk or hike and to prepare your body, there are some important exercises to incorporate to fee ..read more